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I have not been so fascinated by a book, read so many passages outloud to my husband or whoever was within earshot, dog-eared so many pages in years. The Reagan Diaries is an intriguing look at the day-to-day life of the President, the near insanity of his schedule which then transitions into easy-going work on his California ranch and swims at Camp David.
The daily diary entrees, edited masterfully by Douglas Brinkley, are so revealing. One moment he is talking on the phone learning of the terrorist bombing of a commercial flight, the next minute he's lobbying for tax reform and frustrated with Tip Oneil, the next minute he's having a hair cut or a massage or a prostate exam, and the next moment he's saying, "End of a long day. Home to Mommie and Beddy Bye."
One of the things that is most evident in his diary is how much he loves his wife. He speaks regularly about how lonely he is in the White House when she's away. He does not speak often of his children, but Nancy is in nearly every entry.
His feelings about the press are entertaining, if not expected. He says early in his presidency, "Taping for 2 hour special with Dan Rather. Saw the show and wonder why we bothered."
I could go on and on. This is a book you should have. Read it in a couple of sittings, or read a few entries a day for months - you'll enjoy it in either form. A big thumbs up for an important work of our time, The Reagan Diaries.
